Loving a Refugee Family As If It’s Your Own
Sixty young people from Smokey Hill United Methodist Church in Centennial, Colo., fell in love with Achuil Matiok, a Dinka tribeswoman from southern Sudan. She taught them the value of being thankful for life's most simple blessings.
Thrilled about being part of the church's mission team, the young people jumped in from Day One, said youth pastor Bobbie D'Addario. "They were excited about picking the family up and collecting all the household goods that would make the apartment as comfortable as possible,"said Ms. D'Addario.
Language Not a Barrier
Even with the language differences, the children of the family, ages three to ten, immediately connected with the youth. Ms. Matiok, her own three children and the three children of her brother were the first to arrive. Her husband Peter was to join them later.
Soon it became a commonplace for youth to stop by the apartment to play with the children. They became frequent "sitters" when other volunteers drove Achuil to appointments. They helped the children to learn English.
There were outings. The young folk introduced the Matiok family to new experiences like a day at the zoo or Water Park, as well as the simple things in life, trying new foods and going to the bank. "The smiles on their faces were all the thanks we needed," remembers Ms. D'Addario.
The Colorado winter came earlier than usual. Brittnee DeVries, a seventh grader in Confirmation Class, used all of her baby-sitting money to buy each child and Achuil a pair of sturdy, warm shoes. Another confirmand made sure the family had grocery certificates and money for rent when a temporary assistance form was lost. Another family helped with Christmas decorations and putting up a tree.
"I Thank for You"
Lindsey Lovvorn-Zimmerman, 18, remarks, "At Thanksgiving we asked them, 'What are you thankful for?' and the reply was simple: 'I thank for America…I thank for you!' The Matioks have taught me what it means to be gracious and thankful for life's most simple blessings"
UMCOR cooperates with Church World Service and affiliates all across the United States to resettle refugee families. Want to get involved in resettlement? Aren't sure how to start? See "How to Decide." [
How to Decide: Tips on Extending Hospitality to the Sojourner ]
